Feedback system for monitoring and measuring physical exercise related information

ABSTRACT

A system for advising an exerciser about his physical activities, associated either with displacement of the exerciser itself or of an object displaced by the exerciser, or an object displaced simultaneously with the exerciser. The system comprises a first unit for monitoring the activities. This unit is not in physical contact with the exerciser or the object, displaced by the exerciser. The first unit is capable to collect raw data defining the activities either in terms of distance or acceleration. The first unit transmits the collected raw data in a wireless fashion to a second unit, which receives the transmitted raw data, processes it and calculates various parameters, defining the said physical activities, and represents the calculated parameters in a form recognizable by the exerciser. The system enables tracking, recording and updating the relevant information, provides improved feedback and thus helps to the exercising individual to improve his performances.

The present application is a national phase filing ofPCT/IL01/00936(WO02/37732), filed Oct. 10, 2001 , and claims priority toIL139387, filed Nov. 1, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to various physical exercise activities,more specifically it concerns monitoring and measuring of informationrelating to sport activities, during which an individual performsrepetitious efforts, like sit-ups, push-ups, weight lifting, or effortsassociated with distance displacement, e.g. running, skiing, horseriding, etc. The invention enables tracking, recording and updating therelevant information, provides improved feedback and thus helps to theexercising individual to improve his performances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Non-professional home sports, as well as some other professional sportbranches are characterized by the fact that the individual usuallytrains alone, some times with no real opponent, which could stimulateand improve his performance, like time of exercise or effort. Forexample, in basic training exercises such as sit-ups, push-ups, ortraining with bar bells, the individual exercises for a certain periodof time or till he gets tired. The result of the exercise in most casesis the number of repeated sit-ups or push-ups. The scores usually arenot recorded anywhere and there is no proper follow up. Furthermore,there is no sufficient motivation in training alone. Some times, thecounting is not accurate, because the exerciser concentrates on makingthe effort, rather than on the counting and the quality of the exercise.

The similar situation applies to physical activities associated withlong distance moves, e.g. walking running, jogging, skiing etc.

In such cases, it would be desirable that the exercising individual isprovided with a device that monitors his training and advises him aboutthe performance for example by producing an audio/visual signal. Thisdevice could also keep a record of the current and previous performancesand thus motivate and encourage the exerciser.

The above concept is not new and there is known in the art variousfitness-monitoring devices, in which the above concept is implemented.

For example in U.S. Pat. No. 5,655,997 and 5,785,632 is disclosed anapparatus and system for providing feedback to a user of a weight stackmachine. In this apparatus a means for sensing weight for determiningthe number of weights lifted is provided as well as encoder means fordetection the motion of the weight during a lift. An electronic detectoris operatively coupled to the weight sensor and the encoder forcomputing data describing the number of weight lifts.

In WO 96 96/29121 is disclosed a weight training apparatus for measuringa displacement in an exercise apparatus used for training or forrehabilitation. The apparatus comprises a peg for selecting part of astack weights and this peg acts as a transmitter enabling a sensorsystem to sense the selected number of weights as well as the distancetraveled by the weights, the time taken and their speed.

The apparatus comprises also a mechanism with scales attached to themachine along the travel route of the weights.

The disadvantage of both above-mentioned devices lies in the fact thatthey require sensing means, which should be directly attached to theweights for sensing the weights travel. This condition renders the abovedevices inconvenient in installation, limits their portability andexcludes possibility for plug & play mode of operation.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,387,437 is disclosed a runners watch, which is to beworn on the wrist of the wearer. The watch is provided with a sensordetecting the stride of the wearer when the wearer is running or joggingand with a circuitry, which calculates the distance traveled and thecomputed rate of travel. The disadvantage of this device is its limitedapplicability and insufficient accuracy, since a sensor employed in itis a mechanical pendulum, which can not sense travel not associated withstrides, e.g. boating, skiing etc.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,099 is disclosed speed/distance measuringassembly for runner, which measures angular displacement of the foot andthe distance of the torso from a reference point. This approach is alsonot suitable for such displacements, like boating, horse riding or anyother displacements, which are not associated with angular footdisplacement.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,469 is disclosed exercise measurement instrument,employing an acceleration sensor, connected to an amplifier. An outputwaveform signal of the acceleration sensor is supplied to the amplifier.The instrument is provided also with manually operable switching meansfor selecting one exercise mode out of plurality of modes available,amplifier gain-control means coupled to the switching means for varyingthe gain in accordance with the selected mode and exercise-measuringmeans for measuring exercise data on the basis of the waveform signaland announcing means for displaying the data measured. The disadvantageof this instrument is associated with the fact that the accelerationsensor resides not separately from the rest of the components, e.g.display means, data-entry means etc. but in the same enclosure. In sucha configuration the accelerometer can not be always positionedaccurately in the movement direction since each rotation or lineardisplacement of the instrument causes an error in the accelerationsensor reading, and consequently the velocity and position arecalculated erroneously as well.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,265 is described a system and method formeasuring movement of objects, e.g. the distance traveled, speed andheight jumped while running or walking. This system employsaccelerometers and rotational sensors placed in the sole of one shoealong with an electronic circuit, which calculates the distance andheight of each step. A radio frequency transmitter sends this data to acentral receiving unit, which is formed as a wristwatch. The receivingunit calculates an output speed based upon step-distance and elapsedtime and the total distance traveled. Unfortunately the approachimplemented in the above patent is not suitable for monitoring ofskiing, horse riding and boating.

Besides, location of the sensor unit in the shoe might be associatedwith limited reliability of operation and insufficient accuracy ofmeasurement.

Thus despite there are known in the art plenty of methods and devicesenabling an individual to monitor and measure his performances duringphysical activity, nevertheless there is still felt a strong need in anew and improved system and method, which is free of the above-mentioneddisadvantages of the known in the art solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The main object of the invention is to provide a new and improved systemfor monitoring and measuring physical activities of an individualenabling sufficiently reduce or overcome the above-mentioned drawbacksof the known in the art systems. In particular the main object of theinvention is to provide a new and improved system, which is universal inthe sense that it is suitable for monitoring various activities,including both repetitious movements, performed by an individual withinthe same location or activities associated with long distancedisplacements.

Still further object of the invention is to provide a new and versatilesystem, which suitable for monitoring long distance displacementsirrespective whether it is running, skiing, walking, jogging, horseriding, boating, cycling etc.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and reliable system,which enables accurate measuring of a physical activity.

Still further object of the invention is to provide inexpensive andcompact system, which can be easily and fast installed in any premises,irrespective whether it is private house or professional sport hall orcenter.

The system of the present invention is a portable, pocket size, remotepositioned electronic device that is capable to inform the exerciserabout various parameters, associated with his activity, e.g. totalnumber of exercises, elapsed time, number of executed exercises perminute, speed of each exercise, amount of gymnast's effort during theexercise, etc.

In accordance with the principle of operation it includes a first unit,which monitors and collects the raw data, associated with the physicalactivity (either distance or acceleration). The first unit transmits theraw data to a second unit, which processes it, calculates variousparameters and announces them to the exerciser.

When it is required to monitor activities associated with repetitiousexercises (push-ups, seat-up, weight lifting) the system uses thedistance-based raw data and the first unit is placed in front of theexerciser (up to a few feet away). It can be placed on a chair, on thefloor, or mounted on a weight stack machine itself or on the other sportequipment. There is no physical contact between the exerciser and thesystem. The second unit is placed in vicinity of the exerciser to enablehim either to visually observe the parameters displayed or to hear them,or both. For example, each performance of a sit-up (which is considereda back and forth movement towards the first unit) can be accompanied bya beep sound (or a real counting voice) while incrementing a counterdisplay. During exercising with a strength exerciser, the system canobserve that the weights are pushed to the full predefined stroke, andtherefore the exerciser is doing the exercise properly.

It can be readily appreciated, that the present system motivates theexerciser while he is training alone and helps him to follow up histraining progress by controlling proper performance of the exercise(push-ups, set-ups, weight lifting workout with dumb-bells or bar bells,stepper machine workouts etc.) irrespective whether the exerciserperforms it in a set, or till he stops. The system also enablesrecording the results of training.

When the system is used for monitoring physical activity associated withlong distance displacements it uses acceleration-based raw data. In thisembodiment, both the first and the second unit can be either worn by theexerciser or be separate from him, depending on the particular physicalactivity of the exerciser.

The above and other objects and advantages of the invention can beachieved by the system defined by the following combination of itsessential features, referring to different embodiments thereof.

In accordance with the main embodiment it constitutes a system foradvising an exerciser about his physical activities, said systemcomprises:

-   -   a) a first unit for monitoring said activities, said first unit        is capable to collect raw data defining the activities either in        terms of distance or acceleration, said first unit is capable to        transmit the collected raw data in a wireless fashion to    -   b) a second unit, capable to receive the transmitted raw data,        to process it and to calculate various parameters, defining the        said physical activities, and to represent the calculated        parameters in a form recognizable by the exerciser.

In accordance with one of the preferred embodiments said first unitcomprises a housing with residing therein

-   -   a) a means for generation of ultrasonic waves with modulated        frequency, said means is capable to transmit pulses of modulated        waves towards an object, which is being monitored during        exercising and to sense pulses, associated with ultrasonic        waves, reflected by the said object,    -   b) an interface means, capable to activate said means for        generation of ultrasonic waves, to measure the elapsed time        between the transmitted and reflected pulse and to calculate        value, corresponding either to distance or to acceleration    -   c) a communication means capable to transmit the calculated        value to the second unit.

In accordance with the further embodiment said second unit comprises ahousing with residing therein

-   -   a) an electronic circuit, provided with appropriate computing        means for processing said raw data and calculating the said        parameters,    -   b) a memory storage means for storing the calculated parameters,    -   c) an announcing means for advising the exerciser about the        calculated parameters    -   d) a link means for wireless communication with the first unit    -   e) a power supply means for energizing the components of the        second unit.

In yet another embodiment the housing of the first unit and of thesecond unit is provided with fastening means.

According to the further embodiment said announcing means comprisesdisplay for visual representation the calculated parameters.

In the additional embodiment said first unit is receivable within thehousing of the second unit.

In yet further embodiment said means for generation of ultrasonic wavescomprises an ultra-sonic sensor and said interface means comprises amicro-controller, capable to modulate frequency of transmittedultra-sonic waves with pulses of about 1 millisecond.

According to another embodiment said computing means is selected fromthe group consisting of micro-controller and DSP chip, said display is aLCD module and said memory storage means is selected from the groupconsisting of EEPROM or FLASH memory chip.

And in still further embodiment said link means comprises a circuitrysuitable for communication with the communication means of the firstunit either in radio frequency or infrared frequency wavelength and saidannouncing means comprises loud speaker or a buzzer.

The present invention in its various embodiments has only beensummarized briefly.

For better understanding of the present invention as well of itsadvantages, reference will now be made to the following description ofits embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 a–c refer to various alternative configurations of the presentsystem.

FIGS. 2 a–3 b refer to various applications of the present system formonitoring physical activities associated with repetitiousdisplacements.

FIGS. 3 c–g show application of the system for monitoring long distancedisplacement.

FIGS. 4 a,b show various embodiments of the second unit.

FIG. 4 c shows the electronic components of the processing unit.

FIGS. 5 a,b depict various embodiments of the first unit.

FIG. 6 schematically presents of monitoring of repetitious movementsbased on pulse reflection method

FIGS. 7 a–c are examples of display of data, monitored by the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1 is shown general configuration of the system of the presentinvention. The system consists of two units, i.e. the first one,designated at 10 and a second unit 12, which is separate from the firstunit. During performing physical activities the first unit is directedtowards an object 14, associated with these activities and monitorsthese activities. The object is shown schematically and it should beunderstood, that in those situations, when the exerciser performsrepetitious movements this object is the exerciser itself or any otherobject, associated with those movements e.g. weights of weight-liftingmachine, dumbbells, etc. When the exerciser performs activities,associated with long distance displacements, e.g. boating, riding abicycle, jogging etc. this object is a boat, a bicycle, the exerciser orany other moving object.

The first unit is intended for monitoring the moving object andcollecting the raw data, associated with the movement in terms ofdistance or in terms of acceleration.

For the sake of brevity in the further description the first unit willbe referred-to as monitoring unit and the second unit will bereferred-to as processing unit. The first unit transmits the collecteddata through a wireless link 16 to the second unit, which processes thedata and calculates particular parameters, defining the physicalactivity. The second unit also announces the exerciser about thecalculated parameters.

In FIG. 1 a the first and second unit is shown as compact, substantiallyrectangular box-like housing with residing inside electronic circuitsand other necessary components, enabling its functioning. The housingcan be provided with fastening means, e.g. clips, vacuum suckers,magnets, adhesive stripes etc. (not shown) for securing the unit onvarious surfaces or objects, associated with physical activity.

In FIG. 1 b is shown, that housing of the processing unit is formed witha depression D dimensioned for receiving the monitoring unit. This mightbe useful, when the system is not functioning and should be stored in acompact configuration.

In FIG. 1 c is shown another embodiment of the system, in which theprocessing unit is formed with as a clock 12′, which can be worn on theexerciser's hand by virtue of a belt 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 a–c and 3 a–g it is shown how the system of theinvention is used for monitoring physical activities, associated withrepetitious movements or activities associated with long distancedisplacement.

As best seen in FIG. 2 a the exerciser performs sit-ups, which arerepetitious displacements between position 22 designated by solid lineand position 24 designated by thin line. The monitoring unit 10 isplaced on a chair 20 and it is directed on the exerciser to detecteither the distance L22, when the exerciser is in position 22 or thedistance L24, when the exerciser in position 24. The processing unit 12can be placed on the same chair or be placed in any other location, fromwhich it can be seen or heard by the exerciser. The monitoring unitdetects every correct sit-rest movement between position 22 and 24 bysensing the distance L22 and L24. This data is transmitted to theprocessing unit and it produces an audio/visual response. The processingunit also keeps counting and recording the number of each correctlyexecuted exercise.

In FIG. 2 b the exerciser lies facing down on the floor and performsrepetitious push-ups. The monitoring unit 10 is placed beneath theexerciser in front of its head or chest to detect distance L between thefloor and the exerciser. Each correctly performed push up-down movementis accompanied by an audio/visual response, produced by the processingunit (not shown). It can be also recorded.

In FIGS. 2 c, 3 b are shown exercisers sitting on a chair and executingrepetitious movements with a dumbbell. The monitoring unit 10 is placedon the floor beneath the hand of the exerciser holding the dumbbell.Each up-down movement of the dumbbell is associated with changing thedistance between the dumbbell and the monitoring unit. This distance isdetected, transmitted to the processing unit (not shown) and it producesan audio/visual response recognizable by the exerciser. The processingunit can be placed either in vicinity of the exerciser or worn by theexerciser on its hand.

In FIG. 3 a is shown possibility for using the system when the exerciseruses facilities of a gymnastic hall, e.g. weight stack machine forrepetitious lifting of weights. The monitoring unit 10 is attached toone of the leading bars 26 of the weights of the weight stack machine.The monitoring unit is located in such a manner, that it detects thetravel of weights 28 and transmits the distance of travel to theprocessing unit (not shown). The processing unit calculates the travelrate and the number of up-down movements. It can also count the numberof executed up-down movements and alert the exerciser when thepre-programmed ‘time out’ is over. The processing unit can alsocalculate the speed or change of speed of the travel and indicate themoment when the exerciser gets tired and therefore slows down themovement of weights.

In FIG. 3 c is schematically depicted how the system of the invention isimplemented with physical activity associated with long distancedisplacements, e.g. rowing. The exerciser is rowing in a boat 30. Themonitoring unit 10, which is located in the boat senses its accelerationand transmits this data to the processing unit, which calculates thevalue of the acceleration and additional parameters, like distance andannounces the parameter to the exerciser. In FIGS. 3 d–g are shownanother examples of physical activities associated with long distancedisplacements, e.g. skiing, bobsledding, riding, jogging, etc.

Now with reference to FIGS. 4 a,b,c and 5 a,b it will be disclosed indetails the construction of the above mentioned monitoring andprocessing unit.

In FIG. 4 a a processing unit is shown, which housing is configured asan open book, consisting of a main portion 32 and foldable with respectthereto an auxiliary portion 34. Within the main portion are mounted allnecessary electronic components (will be described later on) and on theupper part of the main portion are seen a loudspeaker 36 for audioannouncing and knobs 38 of a keyboard interface.

Mounted on the auxiliary portion an LCD or LED display 40 for visualannouncement is provided.

In accordance with the embodiment seen in FIG. 4 b the processing unitis configured as a single piece, provided with the same above-mentionedcomponents.

As best seen in FIG. 4 c the electronic components of the processingunit comprise a computing means 42, a memory storage means 44, a powersupply means 46, a communication means 48 with an antenna 50 forwireless link with the monitoring unit and a real time clock (RTC). Thecomputing means such as micro controller or DSP chip consists of a CPU420, a code memory 430 and an I/O circuit 440. The computing means hasmultiple functions: it manages the distance measurement and makes rangecalculations, it scans buttons of the keyboard to determine theoperation mode, it activates circuitry of the display and loudspeakerand of the real time clock (RTC) to enable stopwatch functions. Byvirtue of the above functions it is possible to calculate scoresreferring to a specific day. to keep fitness statistics over a period oftime, etc.

Examples of parameters, processed by the micro controller and displayedinclude:

-   Time and Date.-   Instant exercise count/type.-   Total number of repetitions required-   Feed back for mode setting-   Statistics during last week or month.

The audio signal, announced by the loudspeaker can be programmed toproduce various sounds e.g. sounds corresponding to successfullyexecuted exercise, faulted movement, beginning or end of the exercise,pressing of buttons of the keyboard, “Time Out” or “Low Battery”situation.

It might be also advantageous if the electronic circuit comprises speechsynthesizer, to announce the above situations by a human-like voice.

The communication means, employed in the system is based on ashort-range two-way RF (Radio frequency) data link. Each transmissionbegins with a header and sensor ID (identification), which correspondingto the addressed sensor.

The communication from the processing unit to the monitoring unit iscompressed of a two bites transmission. Depending on the type ofactivities, performed by the exerciser (particular repetitious movementor long-distant displacement) the communication means activates therelevant sensor of the monitoring unit by transmitting an ON/OFF commandvia RF channel.

In response to transmission received from the monitoring unit theprocessor checks the first data byte (sensor ID) of each RF receptionand determines accordingly the source of the transmission. Depending onthis source the input data received by the processing unit is assignedto the relevant exercise, which is currently in progress.

It is not shown specifically, but should be understood, that thekeyboard consists of a dedicated knobs, switches etc. to enable settingup the processing unit, selecting the exercise type, putting the voiceaccompaniment on or off, selecting the type of weights, setting up date,time and stopwatch.

The memory storage means 44 is capable to save the updated scores andexercise results. In practice the memory type can be either a low powerRAM with a battery backup, or an EEPROM/FLASH MEMORY chip.

The power supply means comprises a “built in” pack of regular orrechargeable batteries. It can be readily appreciated that thisprovision renders the whole system portable and very convenient for theoutdoor use.

Now with reference to FIGS. 5 a,b the construction of the monitoringunit will be explained.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 5 a refers to measurement of displacementassociated with repetitious movements.

In accordance with this embodiment the monitoring unit is provided witha computing means 50, a power supply means 52, a communication means 54and an ultra-sonic transducer 56. In practice the type of the transduceris MA40B7, manufactured by MURATA or any equivalent. The sensor shouldbe capable to sense the distance up to an object 58, situated in frontof the monitoring unit. As explained above this object is the exerciseritself, or any physical item displacing during the exercise, e.g.weights of the weight-stacking machine. It is not shown specifically butshould be born in mind that the monitoring unit is provided also with aninterface means to activate said sensor. The suitable computing means isa micro controller type 87lpc764 or any equivalent. The computing meansshould be capable to process the raw data, sampled from the sensor andconvert it to distance. The computing means comprises a CPU 500, a codememory 510 and an I/O circuit 520.

The communication means comprises suitable circuits capable to transmitthe calculated distance to the processing unit via antenna by radiofrequency or IR (Infra red) waves. The principle of motion detectioncarried out by the monitoring unit will be referred-to further as “pulsereflection method”. This method is based on transmitting ultrasonic waveto an object, receiving reflected ultrasonic wave and measuring time T,elapsed between transmitted pulse and received pulse of the ultrasonicwave.

The relationship between the distance up to the object L and the elapsedtime T is expressed by the following formula:L=C·T/2where C is the velocity of sound.

The micro-controller generates a 40 kHz frequency. This frequency ismodulated with pulses of about 1 millisecond and then the modulatedultrasonic waves are transmitted to the air via transducer 56. Theultrasonic waves hit the object 58 and are reflected back. The embeddedmicro-controller 50 calculates the time elapsed from the moment thepulse has been transmitted till receiving its echo. This time isproportional to the distance to the object.

Now it will be explained how the above principle is used for monitoringphysical activity associated with repetitious movements, e.g. lifting ofweights as shown in FIG. 3 a. As best seen in FIG. 6 the monitoredobject (weights of the lifting machine) are in the beginning of theexercise in a rest position, schematically designated as D_(rest).

The monitoring unit is located at a distance D₀ from the weights. Whenthe exercise begins the exerciser displaces the weights from the initialposition towards the monitoring unit and then back to the initialposition. Each up-down stroke S is schematically designated in FIG. 6 asS₁,S₂,S₃,S₄,S₅,S₆ etc. During each stroke the weights are displaced frominstant initial position, designated as low peak LP to a position,designated as high peak HP. The elapsed time of the exercise is T. Foreach stroke a new distance ΔD is calculated from the preceding low peakLP to the subsequent high peak. For example this distance isΔD_(S)=(D₁−D₂) for the first stroke, ΔD=(D₂−D₃) for the second strokeetc. The velocity of the movement is calculated by dividing the saiddistance to time ΔT, which is calculated for the first stroke asΔT_(S)=(T₂−T₁), for the second stroke as ΔT_(S)=(T₃−T₂) etc., whereT_(i,j) is elapse referring to the subsequent and preceding strokerespectively.

It should be appreciated that this is not the only possibility formeasuring of distance by calculating elapsed time between transmittedultrasonic wave generated by ultrasonic transducer and reflected wave.Another possibility could be employing of an infrared transmitter andreceiver.

The embodiment of the monitoring unit shown in FIG. 5 b refers tomeasurement of acceleration. As mentioned above this application isassociated with measuring of physical activities referring to longdistance displacement of the exerciser.

In this embodiment the unit is comprised of the components, common tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 5 a. These common components includecomputing means, e.g. micro controller 50, power supply 52, andcommunication unit 54. However, in contrast to the previous embodimentthe monitoring unit shown in FIG. 5 b is provided with a sensor 560,capable to measure acceleration. As suitable sensor one can use modelADXL202 manufactured by ANALOG DEVICES or any other equivalent.

The monitoring unit comprises also suitable interface means (not shown)to activate said sensor. The computing means such as micro controllertype 87lpc764 or any equivalent is capable to process the rawacceleration data sampled from said sensor and convert it into speed anddistance. In this embodiment, the preferable way to derive the speed isintegration over time of the raw acceleration data. The displacement isderived by the second integration over time of the velocity data,obtained after the first integration. This method of monitoring ofdistance is especially advantageous, when it is required to monitor suchactivity like jogging, skiing etc, when the exerciser performs longdistance displacement associated with steps. In the known in the artmethods the distance usually is determined by counting of steps and thenby multiply the number of steps taken by the average stride length.

It can be appreciated, that the resulting distance is affected by thechange of the stride length and inaccuracy of the employed countingalgorithms.

The communication means comprises radio frequency or IR (Infra red)circuits suitable to transmit said speed and distance to the processingmeans.

Now with reference to FIGS. 7 a–c it is shown how results of themonitoring can be displayed by the system of the present invention. InFIG. 7 a is shown an example of a display associated with monitoring ofpushups or sit-ups exercises. The gymnast sees the total exercise time(TIME) that remains, count (CNT) of repetitions he has to do, and theset number (SET NO.).

In FIG. 7 b is depicted a display of data, monitored during weightlifting exercise in a weight stack machines, or during training withdumbbells. The gymnast sees the total exercise time (TIME) that remains,count (CNT) of repetitions he has to do, speed (SPD) of the weightslifting, and total amount of calories (CAL) consumed.

In FIG. 7 c is seen a display of data, monitored during an outdoorexercise, which is associated with long distance displacement such asjogging, horse riding, skiing, kayak rowing, etc. The gymnast sees thetotal exercise time (TIME) that remains, current speed (SPD) of thedisplacement, and total distance traveled so far (Distance).

It should be appreciated, that the present invention is not limited tothe above-described embodiments and that the ordinary skilled in the artcan make modifications without deviation from the scope of theinvention, as it will be defined in the appended claims.

It should be also appreciated, that the features disclosed in theforegoing description, and/or the following claims, and/or in theaccompanying drawings may, both separately and in any combinationthereof, be material for realizing the present invention in diverseforms thereof.

1. A system for advising an exerciser about his physical activities,associated an object displaced by the exerciser or an object displacedsimultaneously with the exerciser, said system comprising a first unitmonitoring the physical activities without being in physical contactwith the exerciser or the said object, said first unit collecting rawdata defining the physical activities either in terms of distance oracceleration, said first unit transmitting the collected raw data, saidsystem further comprising a second unit positioned remote from saidfirst unit, said second unit receiving the transmitted raw data fromsaid first unit, processing the received raw data to calculate variousparameters which define said physical activities, and representing thecalculated parameters in a form recognizable by the exerciser.
 2. Thesystem as defined in claim 1, in which said first unit comprises: a)means for generation of preferably ultrasonic waves and for transmittingpulses of modulated waves towards the object, displaced by the exerciseror displaced simultaneously with the exerciser and to sense pulses,associated with the waves, reflected by said object, b) interface means,capable to activate said means for generation of ultrasonic waves, tomeasure the elapsed time between the transmitted and reflected pulse andto calculate value, corresponding either to distance to the monitoredobject or to acceleration thereof, c) communication means capable totransmit the calculated value to the second unit.
 3. The system asdefined in claim 1, in which said second unit comprises: a) electroniccircuit, provided with appropriate computing means for processing saidraw data and calculating the said parameters, b) memory storage meansfor storing the calculated parameters, c) announcing means for advisingthe exerciser about the calculated parameters, d) link means forwireless communication with the first unit, e) power supply means forenergizing the components of the second unit.
 4. The system as definedin claim 3, in which said announcing means comprises display for visualrepresentation the calculated parameters.
 5. The system as defined inclaim 2, in which said means for generation of ultrasonic wavescomprises an ultra-sonic transducer.
 6. The system as defined in claim2, in which said interface means comprises a micro-controller, capableto modulate frequency of transmitted ultra-sonic waves with pulses ofabout 1 millisecond.
 7. The system as defined in claim 3, in which saidcomputing means is selected from the group consisting ofmicro-controller or DSP chip.
 8. The system as defined in claim 3, inwhich said memory storage means is selected from the group consisting ofEEPROM or FLASH memory chip.
 9. The system as defined in claim 3, inwhich said link means comprises a circuitry suitable for communicationwith the communication means of the first unit either in radio frequencyor infrared frequency wavelength.
 10. The system as defined in claim 3,in which said announcing means comprises loud speaker or a buzzer. 11.The system as defined in claim 1, in which said physical activities areassociated with repetitious displacements of the object, displaced bythe exerciser or with long distance displacements of the objectdisplaced simultaneously with the exerciser.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the physical activity comprises a strength training exercisehaving repetitious movement of the object, and further wherein theparameter calculated by said second unit comprises a number ofrepetitions of the object.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein said firstunit is housed in a portable enclosure and includes an ultrasonic sensorand a magnet to removably attach said portable enclosure to the object.14. The system of claim 13, wherein the object comprises a weightmachine and said portable unit can be removably attached to leading barsof the weight machine, to a top of an upper weight plate, or to a metalhousing of the weight machine.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein saidsecond unit is housed in a portable enclosure and includes a magnet toremovably attach said portable enclosure to the object.
 16. The systemof claim 15, wherein the object comprises a weight machine and saidportable unit can be positioned on a metal housing of the weight machinein front of the exerciser or a trainer for viewing and provides resultsof the exercise.